It’s always rewarding to see and hear first-hand how our programs are making a difference around the world. Our team in Nigeria recently interviewed staff from one of our host (beneficiary) organizations. Their comments reiterate the value of the knowledge transfer and people-to-people exchange inherent to the Farmer-to-Farmer program.

“There are not many opportunities of meeting experts in the course of our work in rural Nigeria. Through Farmer-to-Farmer, we have international experts working closely with our team. Such opportunities to rub minds with international volunteers are vital learning opportunities for us. It takes our pride as a learning organization to a truly international level.

Invariably, the F2F assistance leads to opportunities of social interaction with my family and friends. Long time friendships have been started and sustained from these interactions. My children have the opportunity of meeting with people from different socio cultural backgrounds and this has made them truly global citizens.

Our access to international experts has created a reputation for us as an organization where you can get an answer to almost any sorts of problems.”

Winrock’s F2F staff in Nigeria recently re-visited some of the host organizations that received volunteer support over the last year. These visits are a way for us to see first-hand how the volunteer trainings have impacted each organization.

Sometimes the feedback is especially inspiring.

The managing director from Ogbuka Green Merchandise, a Nigerian agribusiness that received training from volunteer William Symons in June 2012, had this to say:

“I was shocked to see an American come and volunteer his time to strengthen our capacity. The Volunteer was not even bothered by how obsolete our equipments were and how disorganized our workshop floor was but rather gave us tips on how to make the best use of what we have and how to re-organize the work space. This has changed our perception and increased our love and respect for the American people and the government of the United States of America.”

I think all of our volunteers would agree that these assignments also build love and respect for each of the countries where we are working, as well. –Both sides benefit, sometimes in immeasurable ways!

“This assignment brought me to my first trip in Nigeria and my first trip to the African continent. The impact is huge personally and professionally. My hosts were very nice and friendly people. They have shown sincere appreciation of my technical assistance as a significant contribution to the improvement of their feed production business. I learned new cultures, made new friends, and expanded my professional network in Nigeria. This unique experience has increased my passion to make a difference in the lives of other people and to continue giving to underprivileged areas of the world.” –Leonard Obaldo, Nigeria Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer

[What great sentiments, particularly relevant for this Season of Giving!]

“I have experienced every emotion that a volunteer receives from people eager to be fed and who soak up knowledge and transferred technology like a sponge and eager for more. Every time I do one of these programs, I am exhausted at the end of the day but my adrenalin level is high and I have a feeling of accomplishment. The “food” that I receive in return from the participants tends to fodder me. I am greatly overfed. The experience that I have received from this interaction is priceless. This is what has kept me volunteering for 18 years for these USAID assignments.”

–John (Jack) Moulton, Nigeria Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer

[Thank you, Jack! We are also greatly overfed from volunteers like you!]

Winrock staff loved hearing from Mark Bevins as he shared his thoughts on his recent Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer assignment in Nigeria:

“Personally, this was a great experience for me. The cultural immersion that took place over the past two weeks has opened my eyes to the situations Nigerian beekeepers and the residents as a whole face on a daily basis. Spending time with students, staff and others has shed light on the circumstances they face with their families and how they overcome difficulties.

Professionally, I am now connected with colleagues across the Atlantic with similar responsibilities that I have in the US. We will work on joint publications in the near future related to our recent activities. This assignment also related closely to my job responsibilities, so it was an excellent exercise in condensing my career into 2 weeks with needs assessment, program planning, implementation and evaluation. This experience will make me a better Cooperative Extension agent when I return.”

[Great work, Mark. Thank you!]